In an ideal world, you would get to stay somewhere else while remodeling your home. That doesn’t always work though. The cost of renting another place to live gets prohibitively expensive very quickly, among other issues. That means your best option may be to live in your home while it’s being remodeled. While it’s not an easy situation, there are some things you can do to make it more bearable.

Plan Ahead

Planning can make a massive difference in your experience when living in your home during a remodel. Talk with your contractor about timelines. You should know the projected start and end dates for the projects that will be done, as well as any significant milestones along the way. 

Be aware that remodeling delays are common and have multiple potential causes. Build some flexibility into your timeline. That can help reduce the stress you might experience if things aren’t exactly on schedule.

Create Temporary Spaces

Creating temporary spaces within your home is essential if you want to live in it during the remodel. Kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms are essential in any home. You should make a temporary kitchen space while your kitchen is undergoing renovations. 

Do the same for bathrooms. Try to have at least one bathroom that isn’t being renovated at any given time so you can use it safely. Create a schedule for using it to avoid fights. Get creative with sleeping arrangements if you’re renovating any bedrooms. Remodeling isn’t conducive to a good night’s sleep, so beds may need to be relocated to a different area for a time.

Prioritize Safety

Remodeling can create some unusual risks within your home. There are a lot more tools, ladders, cords, and other supplies present in your home than normal. Keep everyone safe by clearly defining off-limits work areas and family areas where your household can spend time. Children are bound to be curious about the work being done, so find ways to keep them entertained and distracted away from the construction area. You may need to put temporary barriers up to keep children and pets out of places where they shouldn’t be. Remember to create a plan for dealing with remodeling dust too! No one should be breathing that all day.

If you have to live in your home while it’s being remodeled, take steps to make it easier to get through the remodel without it totally stressing you (and everyone else) out. Pay attention to your mental and physical health during this time. Remodels are stressful, but try to focus on the end result. Concentrating on that gives you the long-term perspective you need to deal with minor frustrations when they inevitably pop up.

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